Back the Blue parade, fundraiser set for Lower Burrell

The fourth annual Alle-Kiski Valley Back the Blue summer event is back and bigger than ever, its organizers say.

The fundraiser for local police departments will be held Saturday, June 24, in Lower Burrell and will feature a law enforcement processional and live music and entertainment, said Lisa Ingle of Back the Blue.

The event kicks off with a police parade at noon on Leechburg Road, starting at Craigdell Road and continuing to Wildlife Lodge Road, said Ron Balla, co-founder of Back the Blue.

After the parade, an opening ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. at Mogie’s Irish Pub & Magill’s Grill. Admission is $10. It will feature a 50-50 raffle, a Back the Blue wreath raffle, T-shirt sales and a silent auction featuring artwork by Larry Klukaszewski of the Larry Klu Foundation and another piece with painted football helmets.

New this year is an end-of-watch shirt that lists fallen law enforcement officers in the Alle-Kiski Valley dating to the 1950s.

The event benefits police departments from Arnold, Brackenridge, New Kensington, Lower Burrell and Upper Burrell, as well as the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

Among the most recent fallen are: Brian Shaw, 25, a New Kensington police officer who was shot and killed during a traffic stop in the city Nov. 17, 2017; Derek Kotecki, 40, a Lower Burrell patrolman and K-9 officer who was ambushed and murdered by a fugitive Oct. 12, 2011; and Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire, 46, who was shot and killed in the line of duty Jan. 2, 2023, while trying to apprehend a fugitive.

Back the Blue funds have paid for police dog expenses, equipment for police cruisers, some protective gear for officers and other needs. Balla said Back the Blue continues to grow and raise funds for law enforcement, and shows the community’s support for first responders. Another undetermined event is scheduled for Sept. 23.

The band lineup Saturday includes Curtis and Black N Blue, John Melnick, Miss Freddye Blues Band, Lenny Collini Family Pak, Doug Carnahan, TKO — The Knock Offs, Big House Pete, and Chip & the Charge Ups.

“It’s really just a good atmosphere, a family fun atmosphere to give everyone an opportunity to show their appreciation to the law enforcement community,” Balla said.

A fireworks display, performed by Tanks Fireworks and sponsored by Olympus Energy, is scheduled for 9:45 p.m.

“We get a lot of people telling us they don’t know the right way for them to help out, and this is the opportunity to come out and support,” Balla said.

“It’s really grown to a community event.”